QUICK HITS
• 160mm ABP Suspension
• Mixed Wheels (29” F / 27.5” R)
• Bosch CX Gen 5 Drive Unit
• 800Wh Battery
WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE TREK RAIL+ GEN 5
What is the Trek Rail+ designed to be?
The Rail+ is Trek’s long-travel, full-power eMTB. With the new Bosch Gen 5 drive unit and increased adjustability to tune the handling of this 160mm travel mixed-wheel eBike, the Rail+ hopes to be the aggressive do-everything machine that many eMTB riders are searching for.
What eBike Drive System Does It Use?
The Trek Rail+ Gen 5 quite fittingly uses the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 drive unit. This 6.2lbs (2.8kg) drive unit outputs 85Nm Torque and 600W Peak Power as standard, though riders are now able to use the Flow app to increase this to 100Nm and 750W, in addition to adding the new punchy EMTB+ mode.
Powering the Bosch drive unit is an 800Wh battery weighing 3.9kg (8.6lbs). The battery uses Trek’s RIB 2.0 system to offer secure mounting yet easy and fast removal. This can be boosted by a further 250Wh using the 3.3 lbs (1.5kg) Bosch PowerMore Range Extender for the biggest adventures in the saddle. The Bosch 4A Charger gives charge times of around 7 hours for the 800Wh battery from empty.
The Bosch Smart system features the LED hub display integrated into the Trek’s top tube. This indicates battery life in 10% increments and shows the power mode selected. The Kiox 400C display can be purchased aftermarket if desired, giving a full color display within the top tube. On the bar, the Bosch Wireless Mini Remote allows the modes to be toggled and for the Walk and Hill Start functions to be activated.
Using the Bosch eBike Flow App, riders are able to connect to the eBike system and perform a variety of tasks. Power modes are able to be changed and tuned, including the aforementioned power increase. There is a mapping and range calculation function; security features, and diagnostics. It’s one of the most comprehensive eBike Apps on the market, and has proved to be a solid performer.
What are the details of the Trek Rail+ Gen 5 frame?
Depending on the model purchased, the Trek Rail+ features either an OCLV Mountain Carbon Fiber frame or Alpha Platinum Aluminum Alloy frame (found on the Rail+ 5 and 8 models). These frames share the same features, with the Carbon frame shaving weight. These share the same drive unit and mixed-wheel setup, aside from size-Small frames which use dual-27.5”.
Trek covers the details well on the Rail+ frame, with three-way adjustability built in. The Mino Link geometry adjusting flip chip gives High and Low geometry positions. The headtube is built to accept an angle-adjustable headset to tailor the steering characteristics. And lastly, there’s a progression flip chip on the lower shock mount to allow the rider to tune the suspension characteristics.
Trek opted to route the cables internally through ports in the side of the headtube. For the external portions of the cables as they transition from the front to rear end, there are neat cable clamps in place. There’s plentiful room within the front triangle for a water bottle or range extender on all sizes. The rear triangle gets a neat built-in mudguard, helping to keep the linkage area clear from debris. And lastly, the downtube is well covered with a large protector on the underside of the battery. Sadly, there is an exposed section of frame between this protector and the motor bash guard – we’d love to see some rubber protection added here as standard.
How much suspension travel does it have, and with what linkage?
Trek continues to use their linkage-driven single pivot suspension system, with their concentric ABP rear axle system used to improve the braking performance. 160mm of rear travel is mated to a 160mm fork as standard, though a 170mm fork is compatible if desired.
Trek worked to reduce the leverage rates, as well as offering a progression flip chip. With this, riders are able to select between two different leverage rate curves to obtain the feel they prefer, as well as offering improved performance with a coil shock. Anti Squat was increased to improve efficiency under pedaling – a move that we weren’t thrilled to read, but didn’t have many complaints about when riding.
What are the stand-out geometry figures on the Trek Rail+ Gen 5?
The Rail+ has fairly neutral geometry, typical of a modern enduro eMTB. The Small to XL size range spans a wide range of reach figures, with a large 40mm gap between size Medium and Large that may put some riders in a tricky spot. We opted to test the size large, which had a 490mm reach figure that was slightly longer than our ideal numbers. In the low position, the 338mm bottom bracket height is notably low.
What Trek Rail+ build specs are offered?
The Trek Rail+ Gen 5 is offered in a range of builds from the alloy-framed Rail+ 5 at $5,999 to the top-spec Rail + X0 AXS at $12,649 at the time of writing. We tested the Rail+ 9.8 GX AXS, which received a price increase midway through testing to $10,999.
Trek bikes are available either direct-to-consumer online, or in a wide range of dealers across the globe. They back their bikes with a robust lifetime warranty which is well regarded, and offer a 30-day unconditional guarantee in case you decide the bike is not for you after purchasing and testing it, so long as it’s like-new.
Our Trek Rail+ Gen 5 in the GX AXS T-Type build and with our Schwalbe control tires fitted (Magic Mary Gravity Radial and Albert Gravity Radial) tipped the scales at 53.1lbs (24.1kg) in size large.
Hit the specs list at the bottom of the article to see all of the parts specified on our test rig.
THE DIRT
Getting the Trek Rail+ Set Up | The Trek Rail+ was a relatively simple eBike to set up. The easily accessed shock was set to 30% sag, and the damper settings on both ends were quickly tweaked to rider preference. We began testing in the linear rear shock setting, which produced a well-rounded suspension characteristic. However after some experimentation, we enjoyed the progressive suspension setting to obtain a softer off-the-top feel with more pronounced end-stroke ramp up.
In the low setting, the Rail+ bottom bracket was notably low, however the combination of pedaling support and 160mm cranks made it manageable for the most part. Even so, we’d recommend riders climbing technical and chunky terrain to utilize the high position to improve clearance and agility.
How Did The Bosch CX Gen 5 eBike System Perform?
As one of eight eMTBs in our 2025 Group Test to use the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen 5 drive unit, we were very familiar with its performance. We appreciated the excellent control that the Bosch unit offered as standard, with the EMTB mode offering exceptional traction and intuitive power delivery.
A beta version of the firmware which offered the boost of power and new EMTB+ mode was made available to us midway through the test. While the increased 100Nm and 750W numbers were exciting on paper and appreciated on simple drag race style climbs, we had some struggles with the new EMTB+ mode’s “runaway train” sensation. The beta version didn’t feature a tuneable dynamic assistance, and the setting which was provided to us was quite snappy. As a result, we struggled to safely control the extra power. We are certain that there will be improvements and that the final firmware will allow for more control to be tuned into this upgraded eBike system. That said, we’d recommend exercising caution initially if you opt to increase the drive unit output, as it could get you into some hairy situations.
To improve the control of the upgraded Bosch Gen 5 in the most technical and high-consequence scenarios, we found ourselves toggling between various power modes depending on the situation ahead. In this way, we enjoyed technical climbs on board the Trek Rail+ Gen 5, but it required some technique adjustment.
Otherwise, range was solid with the 800Wh battery, and many riders will rejoice at its removable nature. Stowing a spare second battery or adding the Bosch Range Extender is sure to provide range to satisfy most adventures. We’d love to see the new Kiox 400C display fitted once it’s available, as we believe many riders will enjoy the extra information the display provides.
How Did The Trek Rail+ Climb?
Trek has produced an effective climbing machine in the Rail+. Their decision to keep the head tube angle at a fairly conservative figure combined with the mid-length rear end keeps the front wheel in check well. Tight switchbacks and quick wiggles through technical terrain were made easy as a result, making the Rail+ a great climbing machine so long as the pedals were kept safe.
The suspension platform proved to be middle-of-the-road in terms of comfort and efficiency. This helped to keep the fairly low bottom bracket from becoming problematic in most scenarios, especially in the High geometry position. Traction and comfort were sufficient to keep us happy, though there was a little more feedback through rough terrain than some.
How Was The Trek Rail+ Gen 5 On The Descents?
Versatile and balanced, Trek Rail+ was a pleasure to descend in most trail scenarios. Our test crew found great pleasure in the intuitive handling characteristics and stellar front wheel control delivered by the slightly steeper head tube angle. It didn’t offer the greatest feelings of safety when the trail was particularly challenging, but the traction and feel of the front-end instilled confidence to push hard.
The suspension performed amicably, though it was not the sharpest handling. Instead, it erred on the more comfortable end of the spectrum, which was a significant departure from the supportive character of the previous generation. It offered a predictable platform on which to push the limits, with a fairly wide tuning window allowing for some customization of the ride height without any strange characteristics.
Finish And Value On The Trek Rail+ Gen 5 GX AXS T-TYPE
When we began the test, the Rail+ in our GX AXS T-TYPE spec was sitting at $9,999 and felt like reasonable value. However, the somewhat volatile nature of the market right now and the tariffs have led to a hike to $10,999 at the time of writing. With this price hike, sadly the Rail+ has attained a price tag that is a little hard to stomach for this spec.
Moving down to the Rail+ 9.7, things improve a little. The same carbon frame is adorned with solid performing RockShox suspension and a dependable Shimano SLX/XT drivetrain. SRAM’s DB8 brakes feature instead of CODE Bronze, which is a fairly equal comparison in our minds. Overall, this would likely be the spec we would opt to purchase.
That’s not to say that there’s a lack of quality on the 9.8. The frame was well put together; ran quietly and smoothly, and is backed by a company renowned for good after sales support. However, compared to the likes of the Ari Timp Peak 2.0, the almost $3,000 price difference for arguably a worse component spec would be very hard for us to justify.
There’s also the question of sizing, which we think could lead to some issues for riders in the “Medium Large” camp. With a whopping 40mm between Medium and Large, the most common size of mountain biker may have a tough time deciding on the correct fit. There was an intermediate size offered in some previous Trek bikes, which was awesome to see to fill in that sizing gap. It would be great to see chainstay length adjustment or size-specific rear ends in place to help with the balance for riders of all sizes.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The Trek Rail+ Gen 5 was a solid performing and versatile enduro eMTB. Offering a good blend of handling characteristics and stellar range and pedaling performance, this is an eBike that is likely to suit many riders.
However, the value proposition on the spec tested was not great when compared to some of the other bikes in our 2025 Group Test. At retail price, the spec received for the money is hard to recommend, however the performance would keep it as a bike we’d absolutely consider if a deal can be found.
Who Is The Ideal Trek Rail+ Gen 5 Rider?
Any eBike rider seeking a well-rounded and capable all mountain to enduro eMTB is likely to enjoy the Trek Rail+, so long as they are comfortable with the price.
Price: $10,999
Website: Trekbikes.com
About The Pack
During the production of our 2025 eMTB Shootout, we had the Ari Timp Peak 2.0 tested under 8 different riders and compared to the other 11 bikes. The Loam Wolf crew spans heights from 5’10” to 6’2” (177cm to 189cm), and weights from 160lbs to 220lbs. For this year’s test, we also included one of our supporting members, Leonard Johnston from Indiana. His “real world eMTBer” insight was invaluable to us as we evaluated the performance of each of these eBikes.
SHARE THIS REVIEW
2025 eMTB SHOOTOUT SPONSORS
Without the support from Fox Racing, Schwalbe Tires, Zion Mountain Ranch and Velocirax, this years shootout would not have been possible.
If you’re in the market for new gear, new tires, a place to visit or a way to get your bikes to the trail, consider showing these guys some love.
SUPPORT AND JOIN THE LOAM WOLF PACK
Did you find this review helpful? Would you like the chance to review (and keep) products? Are you interested in saving big bucks by getting exclusive Members Only discounts from industry brands all while helping support a small, rider-owned media crew? We have big plans for our members beyond big discounts and product giveaways! To learn more and help support small, independent media, visit our Member’s Page.